Douglas A. Michels, President and CEO of OraSure Technologies

As a leader in point-of-care medical diagnostics, OraSure Technologies has had a worldwide impact on health through the launch of its innovative products. We are a global leader in oral fluid diagnostic technology, bringing to market first-of-its-kind products that satisfy critical health care needs and improve the delivery of diagnostic testing.

Located on the former grounds of Bethlehem Steel, our company originated out of the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania business incubator and has emerged as one of Pennsylvania's most well-known publicly traded companies.

All of our operations, from research to product development, manufacturing, engineering, marketing and customer support, are in Bethlehem. With its people, geographic location and access to universities and medical centers, the Lehigh Valley plays an important role in our commitment to transforming health care.

Our employees are passionate about the role they play in empowering individuals to take charge of their health through the use of our innovative products. We attract talent for the same reason: individuals who join OraSure want to be a part of a company that is having a profound effect on human health. Whether they commute 20 minutes or an hour and 20 minutes, employees talk about the Lehigh Valley like they talk about their work — with pride.

We have successfully attracted a diverse group of employees, from scientists and highly skilled technicians to operations staff and sales and marketing professionals. Certainly the resources in the Lehigh Valley play an important role in bringing together a successful team. As a result, we have been recognized on a national level for our leadership and innovation.

Being situated in the Lehigh Valley also gives us convenient access to health care professionals in the New York City and Philadelphia areas. Within a 50- to 100-mile radius, there are leading pharmaceutical, medical device, diagnostic and biotech firms that often allow us to attract employees from these regions, without the need for relocation.

Higher-education institutions like Lehigh University and Lafayette and Muhlenberg colleges, as well as leading health care provider organizations like the Lehigh Valley Health Network and St. Luke's University Health Network, support our mission of innovation, allowing us to tap into research and medical advancements. Additionally, access to the hospitals and community clinics allows us to leverage the medical staff as advisers for product development and advocacy. Close collaboration with the medical and research community helps us to continue to develop new products.

Our commitment to transforming health care resonates with local, state and federal officials. Being in the Lehigh Valley gives us access to leaders such as Gov. Tom Corbett, Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan and U.S. congressman Charlie Dent, who support health care issues important to our business. These legislators recognize our commitment to advancing health care in America.

We have developed many new products for HIV and HCV, including the recent launch of the OraQuick In-Home HIV Test, the first and only at-home oral HIV test approved by the FDA. Additionally, we offer the first-ever, FDA-approved rapid hepatitis C (HCV) test, the OraQuick Rapid HCV Antibody Test. These firsts have put us on the global stage, as recognized by TIME Magazine's "Best Invention of 2012" and Popular Science's "Best of What's New" awards.

Without access to brilliant people, prestigious universities, first-class medical centers and hospitals, and our state and federal government officials, these firsts may not have been possible. The Lehigh Valley has served as the foundation that fuels our ability to drive innovation in health care and no doubt will continue to be a valuable contributor to our success moving forward.